Pakistan lost the 3rd and final Test in Karachi by 6 wickets as England clinched the victory as early as Day 4. Pakistan crumbled with the bat in their second innings, losing their last 7 wickets for just 52 runs. England won the series opener in Rawalpindi by 74 runs and followed it up with a 26-run win in Multan in a hard-fought contest to seal the series on their first Test tour of Pakistan in 17 years.
Speaking to the press after the 3rd Test defeat, Babar Azam said he takes responsibility for the embarrassing loss to England and that he has always put the team first. He has no intention of giving up the Pakistan captaincy, it is an honor to lead the side.
“I don’t think there is anything like that (captaincy affecting batting). I enjoy batting under pressure. I don’t think captaincy is affecting my batting. Captaincy is an honor. I always try and give my best to my country. For me, Pakistan is first, the rest comes later. The team has lost and I am here to defend my teammates, as a captain, I will front up and take responsibility. Whenever something like this happens, I will be in the front,” Babar was quoted as saying.
Impact of main players’ Injuries affected Pakistan
Furthermore, Babar highlighted that Pakistan headed into the series on the back foot as their first-choice bowlers, including Yasir Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi among others were ruled out due to injuries. Pakistan also lost young pacer, Naseem Shah, for the 3rd Test after the pacer picked up a shoulder injury.
“We were unfortunate that our main fast bowlers were not fit and the new players we played could not execute the way we wanted,” he said.
Pakistan handed a debut to young Mohammad Wasim Jr. and had Faheem Ashraf join him in their pace-bowling ranks. Debutant spinner Abrar Ahmed picked up 17 wickets, the most by a bowler in the 3-Test series but the mystery spinner did not get much support from the rest of the team.
